Darkness was all around him. He was lying on the ground. It was cold and uncomfortable. Slowly he opened his eyes but because of the darkness he wasn´t able to see anything.
"What happened?" he murmured.
Then it came back to his mind. The explosion of the outrider planet, the humans won.
"Where am I? Am I dead?"
"Would your body hurt that much if you were dead?" a familiar voice answered.
"Jean-Claude? What are you doing here? What the hell is this place? And what happened?"
"First of all, the explosion flung you back into the vapour zone. You passed out. This happened three days ago. Nemesis also survived. He is not that glad about you. You betrayed him.. You're under arrest."
"Than you´re under arrest, too?" Jesse asked.
"No, I´m here to take care of you.. I know, in your current situation you´re not able to escape…"
Jesse began to laugh.
"What´s so funny, Jesse?"
"You don´t even know me! I´m able to escape every time. I just decided to stay here a little bit longer. This could be interesting. I guess you swore loyality to Nemesis after this forsaken battle?" Jesse sat up and tried to make himself as comfotable as possible.
Jean-Claude´s gaze shifted to the ground. "As if I could resist. I don´t want to spend the rest of my life inside a vapour capsule., Jesse!" his voice became quieter. Like the voice of a child which is waiting for punishment from his parents.
"Jean-Claude, you disappointed me. You should have known better! But it´s okay. In the end , you´re only a stupid outrider. Is there any chance that you would turn the light on?"
Jean-Claude went to the door. A few moments later, the room was flushed by light. Jesse closed his eyes because it hurt his eyes. When some time passed, he slowly he opened his eyes and inspected the room . There was a door, but no window. And nothing more, only grey walls. The only way to escape was through the door. In his mind, a plan gained shape.
"Water?" asked Jesse
"What?"
"Can I have some water?"
Jean-Claude went out of the room and came back a few minutes later carrying a water bottle. Jesse took the chance to discover what was on the other side of the door.
'Only two guards?' he thought 'Damned stupid beings!' he smirked.
Jesse took the bottle and drank. The water was really good.
"So, Jean-Claude. What´s new ?"
Jean-Claude was confused. 'This bastard is arrested and Nemesis is going to kill him! And he wants to twaddle. Humans!' he thought, but he decided to play the game.
"New? Let me think. Oh yes. Dark is in his vapour capsule again. Nemesis thinks that it was his fault that Commander Eagle was able to escape."
"Sure. Actually, it was his fault! And what about Nemesis´ condition?" Jesse asked.
"The Triton Materia is damaged, but it works. Though he has no body this time, all outriders live in fear. Our energy level is worse than ever. I have no idea how we could survive…"
"Shit happens, Jean-Claude." Jesse said absently.
"What? That´s all you can say?"
"I betrayed Nemesis and you betrayed me. Why should I have mercy? Jean-Claude, you know that I only think of myself and no one else. I need nobody,"-Jesse slowly said the last three words.
Jesse´s condition improved with every day. He never tried to escape and so the outrider became a little bit careless. Nine days after Jesse woke up, Jean-Claude visited him again.
"How are you, Jesse?" he asked, leaning against the wall by the door.
"I´m fine. Jean-Claude. Give me your weapon!"
"What?????"
"Your weapon. Give it to me!"
"You´re nuts, Blue! Why should I do so?"
"It's just a favour from a friend. Don´t worry, I won´t shoot you. You´re only going to pass out, that´s all. Nemesis won´t blame you. He knows my abilities. So, would you give me your weapon or do I have to take it by myself?"
Jean-Claude sighed.
"You´re a bastard, you know that ?"
Jesse smirked. "Yes, I know. And I´m proud of it."
With these words, Jesse took the weapon and hit Jean-Claude´s head and the outrider fell on the floor. Then Jesse went slowly towards the door and opened it with the keycard taken from Jean-Claude. He slipped out of the cell and fired at the two guards. Then he hurried down the corridor towards the hangar. On his way, he killed every outrider, which he met on his way. But it wasn't a great number.
"Stupid outriders. Instead of activating the alarm, they only try to stop me by themselves. Idiots!" he murmured.
Finally, he reached the hangar. No one was there and in the middle of the hall, there stood his Badlander. He couldn´t believe his luck. There it was, repaired and not being guarded.. 'For Heaven´s sake, they are really damned stupid. Arrest me, don´t even guard me right and finally they repaired my ship. Do they want me to escape or why is it that easy?' he thought. He hushed to his Badlander and wanted to get in. At this moment, he heard Gaspar´s voice:
"Jesse. You'd better stop. Or you´ll be shot!"
Jesse froze. 'It was really too easy. I blame the outriders for beeing unwary and me myself?'
"Gaspar. Now you´re very happy, aren´t you?" he asked in his usual tone.
"Shut up, Jesse. I have never trusted you and now I know why! Your loyality belongs only to yourself and no one else. And now you´re trapped."
Jesse began to laugh.
"You don´t think that you trapped me, Gaspar, do you?"
Gaspar took a few steps towards Jesse, the weapon still aimed. Jesse's eyes grew colder and colder as he was looking at the outrider.
"Okay, Gaspar. So you think you are able to stop me? Try!"
With these words, Jesse threw away the weapon he took from Jean-Claude and made a few steps to Gaspar with an evil smile on his face. Gaspar took a step back.
"Stop, Jesse. I´ll kill you. Now!"
"Then do so. I won´t hold you up. You have my word." He rose his hands, it seemed that he will surrender. He continued walking up to the Outrider. Their eyes met. The weapon in the outrider's hand began to tremble. Then Jesse hushed forwards and grasped the weapon from Gaspar. With a fast move, Jesse shot at the outrider once. Gaspar broke fell down. A tiny light was around him, his skin became a kind of rosy, his whole body became human-like.
"Shoot me again, Jesse. Please. I don´t want to live like that!" he whimpered.
"No, you hate humans. Now you are one. Take it as it is! Good bye Gaspar!" he turned around and got in his spaceship.
New Frontier. Yuma. A Ballroom"Ladies and Gentlemen! May I have your attention, please? We all are here to celebrate the end of the war and the team, which helped the dream of peace to come true: the Ramrod Team. Saber Rider, Fireball Hikari, Colt Wilcox and my daughter April Eagle. We all have to thank you!"
Commander Eagle smiled. The whole crowd began to applaud. The Star Sheriffs were standing in the middle of the ballroom, all four smiling. They were very proud of what they had achieved. Many sojourners congratulated them. This kind of attention soon began to annoy Saber, April and Fireball. The only one, who enjoyed this, was Colt. Robin had to haul him off.
Half an hour later, the Star Sheriffs were standing by the bar. Colt was leaned against it. At his side stood Robin in a long, light blue dress. She wasn´t zealous about Colt´s decision to leave the hospital with his injured shoulder, but in the end, she was glad to be here. She loved peace and now it became true. The war was over. Now she would have Colt for herself.
Colt cleared his throat. "Pals. I have to announce something."
The others looked at him.
"Then do so, cowherd!" said Fireball smiling.
"Yeah… Then… During the peace treaty… Ehm… Robin and I are engaged."
This worked. Saber Rider swallowed, April began to smile and Fireball´s mouth fell open. Robin´s cheeks became a shade redder and she looked down at the floor.
"Well, congratulations! That´s wonderfull! I have never thought that our Cowboy would get married first of us. Oh Robin. We have to plan. When will it be? And where? You need a wedding dress. We have to go shopping….. " April's voice overturned. Saber went over to Robin and took her hand. " I´m glad for you two! You´re the first woman which made an adult man out of him!"
Then it was Fireball to congratulate her. Colt lifted one hand asking for attention.
"Hey. What about me? After all, I proposed to her."
"You´re right, Colt. I think we should make you 'the man of the year'!" Fireball said giggling. Colt murmured something. Then he wrapped one arm round Robins shoulders and said louder: "You´re only jealous because you didn´t asked April yet!" Now it was April who blushed.
"Colt, do you always have to drop a brick? asked Fireball.
"Why?" Colt asked innocently. "You two are a couple, aren´t you? And you love her, don't you? A marriage is only the next logical step."
"Hey, Cowboy. Have you eaten a dictionary? Or had Robin taught you a few new words?" Saber asked, one eyebrow lifted.
Robin tried to hide her laughter, but it didn´t work. The others burst out laughing, too.
"What´s so funny?" a well-known female voice asked. The Star Sheriffs turned around. April´s eyes grew wide in surprise.
"Trista! Wow, what are you doing here? I mean… I´m glad to see you."
"Hello, April. Yes, it´s me. I wasn´t sure you would recognise me."
"Oh, Trista, how could I forget a friend?" April asked smiling. Trista smiled back. The other Star Sheriffs were looking at her surprised. They didn´t expect seeing her again.
"Glad to see that you´re alright!" Saber said, Colt and Fireball gave her a welcome, too. Then Trista caught sight of Robin. Robin was smiling.
"Hello, I´m Robin."
"Trista. Nice to meet you. You´re the girlfiend of the cowboy, I think?"
Fireball said precociously "His fianceé!" Colt sent him a nasty stare.
"May we take a seat at the table over there? It would be more comfortable." April asked to change topic. So, they went towards the big table and sat down.
They talked for nearly two hours. Trista told them how she fled the outrider base. She only wanted to escape from the pain, the distressing, from Jesse, from April, from everything. She visited her best friend Amy on Planet Far. The distance was enough to think about her mistakes. Cavalry Command had fired her after the betrayal. She had expected that they would be after her, but the circumstances made things better. Instead of hunting; her, they only kicked her out. Her whole life was a mess at this time. She felt lonely, betrayed, distressed. She didn´t want to hurt anybody, but she was blind from love. And a few weeks later, she realized the worse thing at all. She was still in love with Jesse Blue.
"His eyes, so deep, clear. His way of touching me, kissing me, seducing me. So gentle. His way of talking to me, listening to me. I miss him so much."
At this memory, Trista became silent. Robin took her hand and touched it tightly. Trista looked up into Robin´s eyes. Then Trista smiled a bitter smiled.
Then she told that nearly four months later she returned to New Wichita. She walked up to her aunt and uncle´s house, but they didn´t want to talk to her in any way. At this time, she knew that Jesse was right. Her life changed completely. There was no way back to her former life. So, she decided to move to Yuma. She wanted to start a new life, to burry the past. On Yuma, she found a new job at a private security service. It was a nice job, well paid and she was able to buy a little apartment with three rooms and a balcony. She found= made new friends. Her life became really better. She even was almost happy, but the past haunted her every night.
April looked at her sad. "You should be proud. You never gave up. And now you´re here. I´m so happy to see you." She embraced the dark- haired girl.
After the party ended, the Star Sheriffs and Trista went out. April, Trista and Robin made an arrangement for a common shopping tour and Trista was also invited to Colt and Robin´s wedding. Then all of them went home.
Trista went to her car and drove to her place. As she opened the door to her apartment, a mew of a cat was heard.
"Have you missed me, little one?" she asked the black cat which was touched her legs gently for getting food. Trista walked up to the bathroom and changed the clothes. Then she went to the sofa. April seemed to be really glad about their meeting. She never thought that she would forgive her.
Trista stood up, went towards a little cupboard, and took out a picture. It was the picture she used to have in her office in the outrider base. It showed her with Jesse. Both were smiling on it. It was difficult for her to understand that the time they spent together was only a lie. She looked at the photo, and a lonesome tear ran down her cheek.
Yuma City. A Mall.Trista, Robin and April were walking trough the mall. They spent a long time in a bridal shop. Robin found a really beautiful wedding dress. For April and Trista, who were going to be bridesmaids, they found nice dresses of light green. The wedding would be in two weeks, on a Sunday. April was excited, she adored weddings. And the one of a good friend had to be perfect. So, she made arrangements for the church, the room, the food, even all, what was necessary for a perfect wedding. Robin smiled over her engagement. She was glad for the help. She had enough to do. Joshua would live with her and Colt; she would work in a school on Yuma. This all wants to be managed. She had to meet her deadlines. Colt offered her to delay the wedding. But Robin said no. April was a great help for her, so all could be managed in time. Today Robin took a day off, so she could go shopping with the girls without pricks of consciousness. After the shopping, the women went to a nearby restaurant to eat. Trista enjoyed the day. She had friends at work, but they were rather fellows. She didn´t want to spend time with them because she didn´t want to tell them about her past. But with April and Robin was it different. They knew about the happenings, and they accepted it without any reproaches.
Planet Yuma. A Festive Adorned Hall.Colt and Robin seemed to be the happiest couple in the entire world. They were smiling all the time. The wedding was as perfect as April wanted it to be. She was running up and down the hall all the time. Fireball had to stop her in a very aggressive way: he snapped her and kissed her passionately. After this, April decided to calm down and stay a little while with her boyfriend. The festivities were in progress. All guests were dancing, laughing, eating, drinking… The newly wed couple went from guest to guest to thank for the presents and get more compliments. The feast ended in the early hours of the morning. Next day, Colt and Robin prepared to leave for their honeymoon on Planet Fun. Joshua would spend that time with April and Fireball. The couple were amazed to have a child for three weeks. Robin hugged her younger brother for a good-bye and told him for the fourth time to keep out of mischief and trouble. The spaceship took off and brought the newly wed to their honeymoon destination.
Vapour Zone. On an Isolated Planet.Jesse was standing in front of his spaceship. It seemed to be repaired, but Jesse wasn´t able to jump back to the New Frontier. The energy level was down. He had no idea what to do next. For four weeks, he had to hide himself on this damned planet. He hated to hide. Damn it, he was Jesse Blue! And a Jesse Blue would always get out of this silly situation!
What was the fault? Have I wanted too much? Why did we lose? Damned Tin Stars! To the hell with them. Oh, I think right now they have a lot of fun with silly, useless things. And me? I sit here on this silly planet and don´t know what to do.
He heard a noise. His hand was lying on his weapon. Slowly he sneaked towards the direction of the noise. He took cover behind a rock and glimpsed over it. He saw an old damaged spaceship. A man was going around the ship. He seemed to be very old. His pace was slow. But… something was wrong with him. He wasn´t one of the monks, he even wasn´t an outrider! He was a human.
What the hell is he doing here? I thought, I´m the only human in the vapour zone.
Jesse stretched himself up a little to have a better look, but he dropped a small rock. The noise made the man to look over to Jesse. Jesse froze.
What should I do?
"Who are you?" the man´s voice sounded tired. Jesse revealed himself completely and gave his voice a perfectly calm sound.
"You don´t know? I´m Jesse Blue. And you? Who the hell are you?"
"Come over to me, I don´t like screaming. My name is Sato Hikari. I´m here for about… I don´t know. What year do we have today?"
Jesse quirked an eyebrow.
Is this man completely nuts? What year? What a silly question.
Jesse went over to the old man. He couldn't resist. Something about this Hikari was strange. But nevertheless, Jesse decided to spend a little time with him. Perhaps this man could help him to get out of here.
New Frontier. Yuma City. Trista´s Apartment."Where the hell is it?" Trista hurried through her apartment, searching for her keycard. She was late. She was going to meet April and Robin in half an hour and didn´t want to be late. This morning Colt and Robin came back from their honeymoon and both April and Trista wanted to hear all about it.
"Ah, there you are. Now I´ve found you!" she said in a triumphant tone. She squatted down to pick up the keycard which was lying half under the sofa. She took her jacket and ran out of the door.
Twenty minutes later, she arrived at the little café. April and Robin were already there.
"Hi girls! Am I late?" asked Trista.
"No, we are too early! Don´t worry!" said Robin. She took out the photos, which she made during her honeymoon. The girls were watching the photos and Robin told them a little joke to every of it.
"It´s strange that you had so much time for taking photos. I thought the honeymoon is for other things." Said April and began to laugh when she saw Robin blush.
"When you are so sure that Colt and I made something wrong, it´s time for you to experience the honeymoon by yourself!" Robin said huffily. Now it was April who blushed.
"No sense for being beastly."
"Girls. Calm down!" Trista rolled her eyes up. The others ignored her completely and began to argue. Trista decided to look at the photos again. She was glad for Colt and Robin. They were made for each other.
I will never get married. I will never be so in love again. But I have real friends, a good job and a cat. That´s good. This will last.
Lost in her thoughts, she looked at one picture that showed Colt and Robin in front of a nice little tavern. Both were embraced and happily smiling.
"Hey, is something wrong?" April asked worriedly.
Trista was nervous, a shade of worry came over her face. "No, I´m fine. Have you finished your arguing?"
"I think so. What about shopping?"
"Oh, April. Only you can think of shopping all the time!" Robin reproached her friend.
"What shouldn't I ? You can see that Trista doesn't want to talk about her feelings. And we can´t help her dealing with this. We only can be there for her…"
"And distract her with shopping?" Robin finished the sentence. April nodded.
Trista began to laugh. " How was I able to live without you two?"
"So? Shopping?"
"Yeah, shopping."
And the girls went out of the café and towards the mall.
New Frontier. Planet Far. A Lonely Road.Amy Granger was on her way home when she heard a loud noise. She stopped her car, looked up to the sky, and saw a spaceship crashing into a nearby forest. Without hesitating, she stepped out of the car and ran towards the site of the crash. The ship was damaged. An old man opened a cockpit and dragged a young man out of the ship. She went towards the man to see if she could help. The man looked at her.
"Please, hurry up. The ship will blast every any second!"
She took the unconscious man over the armpits, the old man took by the legs and they ran as fast as possible out of the range. They hid themselves behind a rock just in the second the ship blew up. Amy looked at the old man.
"What happened?"
"I will answer to all your questions later. First of all, we have to bring him to a hospital." With this, he pointed at the young, unconscious man. Amy looked at the younger man.
"Oh my God. Jesse Blue. He is still alive?"
"We have to hurry or he will not live any longer!" the old man said. They carried Jesse to Amy´s car and drove to the nearest hospital.
Planet Far. A Hospital.Inside the hospital, there were many officers of the CavComm. They were hurrying up and down the corridors. It looked like a beehive. The information that Jesse Blue was in was passing around the people in uniforms in a speed of light. One of them stepped towards the woman who was sitting in the visitors lounge.
"Amy Granger?" a young officer asked. Amy turned around.
"Yes. How is he?"
"I don´t know. I have to ask you a few questions."
"Sure."
"Well, tell me exactly what you know about the incident."
"I was on my way back home. I was driving down the street and heard a loud noise. I stopped my car and looked up to the sky. There I saw the ship. It was trundling fast towards the little forest. So, I stepped out of my car and ran to help. I helped the older man to rescue Jesse Blue. It all happened so fast. I wasn't thinking about my actions. We hid ourselves behind a rock when the ship blew up and then, we took him here…"
"Okay, do you know why the ship crashed down? Have you seen any damage?"
"It was damaged, but I´m no engineer. I don´t know the reason. I just helped them."
"Commander Eagle wants to talk to you too."
"Do I have to tell him the same story again?
Instead of answering her question, the officer reached for her arm and took her to a little room. Commander Eagle was talking to a man. As she entered, they stopped the conversation. Commander Eagle looked at her.
"Miss Granger, we apologise for the trouble caused. This man here is His Royal Highness King Jared of Kingdom of Jar. We already heard your statement about the incident, so you don´t really have to tell us again. But one thing we have to know. Did the older man say anything to you?"
"He only said that we had to hurry. He seemed to be worried about Jesse Blue."
King Jared looked at her. "Had he said something more? From where did they came?"
"No, I asked him but he said that he will answer to all questions later."
"Thank you. You can go home. Please tell the officer where we get in touch with you. And please, don't talk with anybody about what happened."
Amy left the room.
Jesse Blue is still alive and I´m not allowed to tell Trista. Perhaps it´s better she doesn´t know.
Commander Eagle looked at King Jared.
"Do you think that he is really Sato Hikari?"
King Jared nodded. He already talked to him but he wanted to be sure. It was a pity that Amy Granger wasn´t able to confirm his hypothesis. Someone knocked at the door.
"Come in" Commander Eagle said. A middle-aged doctor came in.
"We have the results of the examination. He is human, his genetic code and the dentists data attest that this man is officer Hikari."
King Jared breathed a sigh of relief.
"Can I talk to him again?" he asked. The doctor nodded and King Jared left the room. Commander Eagle looked at the doctor.
"What about Jesse Blue?"
"He is alive. His injuries will heal fast. But he is still insensible. I think he will awake in the next hours. Do you want to place guards in front of his room?"
"Yes, and please tell me when he is awake."
King Jared was standing in front of the window; Sato Hikari was sitting on his bed.
"So, now you know what happened during the last 17 years." Said the older man. King Jared nodded and said in a thoughtful tone.
"You saved us all during the first war with the outriders. We thought you were dead. It´s incredible. You jumped into the Vapour Zone, and survived there for 17 years. Without humans, without anybody you could talk to .The doctor said it was a miracle that your mind is still sane."
"I had
someone to talk to! The whole time I had a picture of my son. So, I told
Fireball all about my life. Does he know about my rescue? Does he know that I´m here?" During the last words, his
voice began to rise.
Jared shook his head.
"You must know that we wanted to be sure before we would tell him. But now, I´ll go and tell him, if you want. He will be happy to see you again. You will be proud of him. He is one of the best racers and a very good Star Sheriff. He helped to bring the peace to New Frontier."
A smile went on Hikari´s face. "My son."
Fireball was sitting on a chair in Commander Eagle's makeshift office in the hospital. He arrived on Far one hour ago. Now he was gaping. What Commander Eagle told him, was difficult to accept. His father was alive and all this time was on Far. When the first swoon was away, he stood up. Ready to go though every wall, just to be with his father again. Commander Eagle held him back.
"Wait. I know you want to be with him. But it´s not that easy for him. 17 years of isolation change a man. He isn´t used to humans any more. His behaviour would be strange."
"I know. But I want to see him, help him to settle in again."
Commander Eagle nodded.
Fireball talked to his father for hours. Both were glad to be together again. But some things troubled the reunion. After they both told each other about what happened during the years, they had nothing to talk about. A bad silence sneaked between them. Fireball was slipping nervously on his seat. Hikari looked out of the window, calm.
"Father? There is one thing, you didn´t tell me yet. How were you able to jump back in our dimension?"
"A young, teal -haired man helped me. He found me on the planet. He is injured this time. I hope he will get well soon." Said Hikari worried.
Fireball shrugged.
A teal-haired man? Does he mean Jesse Blue? Has he survived the explosion? How is it possible? And why don´t we know about it?
Fireball was lost in his thoughts when his father touched his shoulder Fireball gasped.
"Is something wrong?" he asked
"Has anybody told you about this man? Has anyone told you his name?"
"Yes, he said his name was Jesse Blue. Surely, I asked him about his presence in the Vapour Zone, but he only said: 'They will tell you all you have to know after our return, don´t worry.' Can you tell me, Fireball?"
Fireball nodded and began telling his father all about Jesse Blue.
Jesse Blue´s condition improved and so Commander Eagle decided to take him and Sato Hikari to Planet Yuma.
Planet Yuma. Commander Eagle's Office.The Star Sheriffs were informed about the events related to Sato Hikari and Jesse Blue. It was silent in the room. No one knew what to say. Saber broke the silence first.
"So, Jesse Blue is alive. Where is he now?"
"He is under arrest. We will put him on a trial for his deeds. I don´t think that he will be released from prison at all.." Said Commander Eagle.
"Wait a minute. Don´t you forget that he saved me. Without his help, I would be still on that planet! Besides, I don´t know if he is really that dangerous. He is still a boy, a boy with false intentions. But I´m of the opinion that he deserves a second chance." Hikari said angered. He liked the young man. He had thought much time about Jesse Blue, about what Fireball told him and Jesse's behaviour during their escape. It was so different.
"Father, he is a traitor, he wanted to kill us all, and only because April didn't want him. He is dangerous, we have to arrest him. He will do the same again as soon as he has the chance."
"Fireball. I can imagine how you feel and that you're worried for April. I even know about your feelings for her. But I also spent some time with Jesse. Without outriders, without CavCom. He is a good boy, only misled?. Fireball, look. He saved me! He reunited us! Don´t forget about that."
Commander Eagle cleared his throat: "CavComm will decide how to treat him. But first of all, I want to talk to him. You can go."
"Daddy…." April said worried.
"Have no fear, April. I won't let him hurt you in any way. But I have to keep in mind that he saved Sato Hikari. He also could leave him in the Vapour Zone, but he took him here. I want to know the reason for this decision. Perhaps there is hope for him. After all, he is a human."
The Star Sheriffs went out of the office.
"I can't believe that this villain is still alive and that he can look for amnesty." Colt was furious. Saber tried to calm him down.
"Colt, it's not certain that he will get amnesty. But I'm of the same opinion as Commander Eagle. Jesse is a human and so he deserves at least that we listen to him, don't you think?"
"The last time we listened to him, he gave us a kick in the ass!"
"COLT! Calm down. It's not your decision! He will take the consequences of his actions. Of this, you can be sure. But nevertheless, the last word has CavCom. And whatever the decision looks like, you have to live with it!"
Fireball embraced April and she leaned her head on his shoulder.
"We will have to wait. And we have to trust that my father will do the right thing!" she said.
Planet Yuma. A Prison Cell.
"Oh, if I had known that you will come, I would have cleaned up my cell." Jesse said in his usual ironic tone. Commander Eagle ignored him and took a seat on the pallet. He looked at the young man.
How can I judge him? He is still a boy, more mature, but still…..
"You have decided to come back? Why?" he asked. Jesse turned towards the little lattice window and looked out of it.
"It wasn't really a decision. I woke up in a prison cell like.. yeah, just like this one. Isn't it ironic? Regardless in which dimension I am, I'll be arrested. It's a pity, but I have to deal with it." His voice had still the ironic tone.
"So the outriders don't trust in you anymore. I know about your past, that you grew up as an orphan. I understand you, but nevertheless you broke law. On both sides. I can't imagine that you really believed that your plan would work out."
Jesse turned round and looked straight in the eyes of the older man. He wanted to say something, but the words sounded silly in his mind. So, he took a deep breath.
"What will happen to me?" he asked.
"What do you expect?"
"What do I expect? Let me think... You will lock me up and throw away the key. Or you will kill me. Or you will let me free and I can life the way I want." Jesse smirked.
Commander stood up and shook his head. "I really expected you to realise the situation you're in! But I was wrong." He went towards the door. Jesse held him back.
"Why did you come here? Just for a little small talk?"
"You saved Hikari. Why?"
"With his help, I was able to get out of the Vapour Zone. I had to take him with me."
"I never thought that you will accept help one day…" With these words, Commander Eagle left the prison cell and the young Jesse Blue alone with his thoughts.
Two hours later, the door of the prison cell was opened again. Jesse was sitting on the pallet, his head buried in his hands. He didn't look up to the man who entered the room.
"I had expected to see you in a prison cell one day." Jesse raised his head.
"General Whitehawk….."
"Yes. I thought it would be nice for you to have a visitation. I suppose it's boring in here, isn't it?"
Jesse shrugged.
"A bit. But I can deal with it. So, what's your intention? Looking after your lost sheep?"
"Not really. I want to give you the chance to prove that you're really the best. Are you interested?"
Jesse quirked an eyebrow. Then he began to laugh.
"I didn't mean to be funny, Jesse. So, are you interested to hear my suggestion or not?"
"Guess I have enough time for listening. So start." Jesse said still amused.
"You know, I always thought that you were the most auspicious cadet of your age group. It broke my heart seeing you fall. Why have you done this?"
"I have never really belonged to the humans…"
"So, you thought perhaps you belonged to the Outriders?"
"It was a try. But I didn't belong to them too. I´m living between the two worlds."
"Only in your mind, Jesse. Look, the war isn't over, you know that. I want to you to help me. You helped the outrider with your knowledge about Cavalry Command. But they didn't pay you, did they? Perhaps we do…"
"Ah… Now I got it. Why are you that sure that I'll betray the outriders?"
"Because you only do what gives you a vantage."
"Okay, let us think about this possibility. I betray the outriders and tell you all about their current status. You fight them back once and for all. And then? Anyway, Ill be arrested in the end and perhaps even killed. I can't see any vantage."
"You will work under my personal responsibility. You're the best for this job! And in the end, you'll be paid." General Whitehawk cleared his throat. "Jesse, we know that they are on the way to Yuma. We have detected them on our sensors."
"Send Ramrod" Jesse said absently.
"Why are you that dumb? I give you a chance! Don´t throw it away!"
"I need no one who gives me a chance. I´m Jesse Blue. Damn it!" he shouted. "I lost it all, General. There is nothing left to fight for." His voice sounded capitulated.
"You always decided yourself about your life and now you let others to decide for you? Where is the proud young man I once knew? Where is your pride now, Jesse? Sure, you lost. But only because you wanted too much. You didn't realize that you were going too far. After all, you are a human. And humans make mistakes. You give up, because things went another way than you wanted them to go. In the end, you're only a child which didn't get his favorite toy."
"How can you say that?" he sizzled "You know my abilities. And you know that I´m the only one who can help you. I´m the best, I´m Jesse Blue!"
"Now, this sounds more like you. So, will you help?" Jesse felt like falling into a big black hole. The humans whom he hated so much wanted him to help them. He couldn't resist. The General found his weak point.
"Yes, but only to get rid of you."
"Okay, than I'll talk to Commander Eagle."
"What? You didn't even talk to the General staff before you came here? That's funny. Good luck General, you'll need it! " Jesse lay himself down to the pallet, his arms crossed behind his head. On his face, there was an evil smirk forming.
Planet Yuma. Commander Eagle's Office."You did what? General. You can't decide without talking to me before."
"Commander Eagle. He was under my command when he failed. I feel responsible for him. And he is really the only one who can help us. He knows about their current military state and he even knows the weak point of their ships. I don´t want this war starting again the same way. And I know you don´t want too. The line must be drawn here. And with Jesse Blue's help we can manage it." His voice was rising during his talk, but now it became quieter. "Commander, you were captured by the outriders. Say, did Jesse Blue did something to you? I guess, he didn't. , the outrider out you in. He had the chance to torture you, but he didn't. He even let you escape. And then he saved Hikari. You have to see that he is a good man inside."
"A good boy? He destroyed Alamo Moon!"
"Yes, but this time no human was there. He also could destroy Alamo itself, but he didn't. Think about it. A real bastard would have destroyed a planet full of humans. Give him a chance. I believe that he would not let us down. I will take the full responsibility."
"I can't believe it. First Hikari, then King Jared and now you. What did this boy do to you that you all want me to give him a second chance?"
General Whitehawk smiled at the Commander. Commander Eagle lowered his head, then he took a deep breath and raised his head again.
"Okay, but let me tell you one thing! The first false step will throw him back to his nice little prison cell!"
"You decision was right, believe me!"
Planet Yuma. Headquarter of the Cavalry Command. Conference Room.The Star Sheriffs were standing in front of the General Staff. Saber Rider just finished his report about the fight. The Outriders were thrown back in their dimension. No one could understand why they came back. Like Jesse said, Nemesis was incapacitated, the energy level lower than ever. But nevertheless, they wanted to fight the last fight. And this one was desperate. Both sides were exhausted during the long and tiresome years of the war. After the Outrider Planet exploded, no one thought that they would come back. And no one even thought that they would come back so fast. With Jesse's help, the Ramrod Team was able to defeat them. It has been a big squadron, fighting desperately for their Supreme Commander, but a human, who fights because of his family and peace is better than a soldier which fights because of an order. The Outriders wasted their last resources during this battle, so they wouldn't come back for a long time.
"So, now we have real peace, haven't we?" a tall man with a grey beard said. Jesse Blue, who was standing in front of the window, looked at him.
"Don´t worry. Without energy, they aren't able to jump into this dimension. I think we're safe."
"We?" Fireball asked surprised. "I never heard you talking about a 'we'. What happened? Did you remember that you're human?"
Jesse only smirked evilly at him, without saying a word. He saw no reason for answering. He led his gaze to Commander Eagle.
"So, what about me? I gave you all information I had. Guess you will arrest me again?"
"Why should we? Your behaviour was just fine. You helped us and you saved officer Hikari's life. There is no need to arrest you. But nevertheless you betrayed us. So, you will be put on a trial. We will tell you our decision tomorrow. Dismissed."
Outside the conference room, April looked at Jesse.
"Are you worried about their decision?"
"Why should I be worried? They'll judge me regardless if I´m worried or not. So, it makes no sense thinking about it. Are you worried about me?" he looked provoking at the young blonde girl.
"Why should I?"
"Good answer, really." Jesse laughed bitterly.
"So, what will come next? Will you bother April to live with you or what?" Fireball asked. Jesse quirked an eyebrow.
"I don´t want her living with me. Take her and make her happy, Fireball. I don´t mind."
April looked at him surprised. " But, I think you love me!?"
"You sound a bit disappointed. How sweet. Look, April, you were just a passing fancy. I learned that your love means nothing to me. Wish you luck with that little racing boy. See you." With these words, he left the four Star Sheriffs confused behind.
Now, you know the truth, Jesse. April was just an excuse for you to fail?. Oh, silly that it took so much time to realize this fact. Perhaps it´s better you apologized to her. ' Shut up, I know it. And remember. I don´t like talking to myself, so don´t do it again' he said quiet to the little voice in his head, also known as his conscience.
The next day, he was standing in front of the General Staff again, calm awaiting for their decision. Commander Eagle stood up and cleared his throat.
"Jesse Blue, you betrayed Cavalry Command and the whole human race. Then you saved an officer and helped us defeating the Outriders once and for all. It wasn't easy for us to come to an agreement. We had to take into consideration all what you did. But you have intercedes. So, after long discussion, we made our decision. You won't be arrested again or executed. You are free in a specific way. You will work for Cavalry Command. You will be watched every time you're out of your quarters. You're not allowed to leave the terrain of CavComm. If your behaviour is fine, we will ease your warranties. For every fault, they will be stronger. But perhaps you will be a free man one day, it depends on you. It's your chance, make the best out of it."
Planet Yuma. Commander Eagles Office.Lost in his thoughts, Commander Eagle tried to study the last reports from Alamo. They built up nearly all destroyed buildings. The reconstruction of the damages was nearly completed. A noise in front of his office caught his attention. He wasn't able to understand, but he heard Molly, his secretary, and a man talking. Only a few seconds later a young officer came in.
"Sir! He escaped. Jesse Blue escaped." He said breathless.
Commander Eagle closed his eyes. What he feared most, happened. And he wasn't surprised. He knew that Jesse Blue would rather die than live with these warranties. He just hoped Jesse wouldn't do anything destructive just now, when Yuma's defence systems were exhausted from the last battle.
Meanwhile, Jesse was thinking about the future, While looking up to the big building of Cavalry Command Headquarters an evil smile was forming on his face.
End Chapter One. To Be Continued…
A special Thanks to Ele for beta-Reading!